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Big Easel: Sunflowers

In 2026, the Town of Altona completed the recreation of the Big Easel featuring Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers, preserving one of Manitoba's most recognizable landmarks for future generations.

Photo: Edward Vincent Arcenal. July 20, 2026

Since 1998, the Big Easel featuring Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers has welcomed visitors from near and far, becoming one of Manitoba's most recognizable landmarks and a lasting symbol of Altona's identity as the Sunflower Capital of Manitoba and home of the annual Manitoba Sunflower Festival.

The landmark was the vision of local artist and educator Cameron Cross, who imagined a giant steel easel displaying a recreation of one of Van Gogh's most celebrated Sunflowers paintings. His vision became a reality and, for the past 27 years, the Big Easel has stood as a source of community pride and a must-see destination for visitors.

After nearly three decades of exposure to Manitoba's climate, the original artwork reached the end of its lifespan. In 2025, the Town of Altona launched a project to recreate the painting, ensuring this beloved landmark could continue welcoming residents and visitors for generations to come.

Photo: D&W Productions June 2026

Cameron Cross returned to lead the recreation, carefully reproducing the artwork while incorporating modern materials and construction techniques designed to significantly extend its lifespan.

Photo: D&W Productions June 1, 2026

The recreated artwork consists of four panels, each measuring 8 feet by 24 feet, creating a finished canvas measuring 24 feet wide by 32 feet tall. Built on marine-grade ¾-inch plywood and reinforced with two layers of fiberglass mat, the panels provide superior resistance to moisture and weather. The artwork was finished using an industrial automotive coating system, including a textured finish that recreates Van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes while providing exceptional durability. A final automotive clear coat was applied to protect the painting for years to come.

Photo: D&W Productions June 10, 2026

Photo: D&W Productions June 20, 2026

Once completed, the four panels were mounted to the existing 8,000-pound steel frame. The seams between the panels were carefully blended to create the appearance of one continuous painting before the completed structure was lifted by crane onto the 23-metre steel easel on July 20, 2026.

Photo: D&W Productions June 30, 2026

The recreation project was made possible through a combination of insurance proceeds, municipal funding, and generous donations from local businesses, organizations, and individual community members following feedback received through the Town's community survey.

Reflecting on the project, artist Cameron Cross shared:

"It has been incredibly rewarding to return to Altona and recreate this painting nearly three decades after the original was installed. The Big Easel has become much more than a landmark—it's a symbol of the community's identity. I'm truly grateful to everyone who supported this restoration and helped bring it to life."

Photo: D&W Productions June 23, 2026

Mayor Harv Schroeder also expressed his appreciation:

"On behalf of Council, I would like to thank Cameron Cross for taking on the important task of recreating our Big Easel featuring Van Gogh's Sunflowers. This landmark represents both the history of our community and Altona's identity as the Sunflower Capital of Canada. For the past 27 years, it has stood as a symbol of Altona, and thanks to this recreation, it will continue to welcome residents and visitors for generations to come. I would also like to thank our community for its incredible support throughout this project."

Photo: D&W Productions July 7, 2026

Project Supporters

The Town of Altona gratefully acknowledges the organizations and individuals whose generosity made this project possible.

Among Organizations

  • Bunge Canada
  • Sun Valley Co-op Ltd.
  • Green Valley Equipment
  • Golden West Radio
  • Elmer's Manufacturing
  • Friesens Corporation
  • Red River Mutual Insurance
  • Altona Community Foundation

Photo: D&W Productions July 7, 2026

The Town extends its sincere thanks to Cameron Cross, our sponsors, donors, project partners, and everyone who supported the recreation of this beloved landmark.

Today, the restored Big Easel continues to welcome residents and visitors from around the world, standing as a lasting symbol of Altona's rich history, vibrant arts community, and the Manitoba Sunflower Festival.